St Mary’s Cathedral College is excited to announce a new partnership with Sydney FC, commencing February 2025. The College will launch a bespoke Stage 5 elective for Year 9 students, titled ‘Football Focus’. This subject is designed to enrich physical education through the lens of professional football.
The partnership will offer students a rare and valuable opportunity to learn and grow with access to elite training, industry knowledge, and unique experiences within Sydney FC’s ecosystem.
The program is set to run throughout the 2025 school year and will provide weekly football skills sessions at St Mary’s, led by Sydney FC coaches.
These sessions will cover essential aspects of the sport, including technical skills, nutrition, video analysis, and recovery strategies.
Additionally, students will attend select Sydney FC match days, immersing themselves in the game-day atmosphere and building lifelong connections to the sport.
Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey emphasized the club’s commitment to deepening its community ties and promoting active lifestyles among young people through sport.
“At Sydney FC, we see this partnership as a powerful step in broadening our community engagement efforts,” Aubrey said.
“We are excited to support St Mary’s Cathedral College and their students, not only by providing football training but by nurturing a love for the game and offering insights into careers within the football industry.
“It’s about inspiring the next generation and supporting their physical and personal development.”
The partnership will also feature a unique educational component with Sydney FC professionals providing career pathway talks and workshops for students.
These sessions will expose students to various roles within the football industry, from coaching and sports medicine to media and administration, broadening their horizons and aspirations.
Mrs Kerrie McDiarmid, Principal at St Mary’s Cathedral College, expressed enthusiasm for the new curriculum and the opportunities it presents.
“This partnership with Sydney FC aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative learning experiences for our students,” McDiarmid said.
“Launching a football curriculum allows our students to engage with the sport in a structured and meaningful way, and with Sydney FC’s involvement, they’ll receive top-tier training and mentorship.
“We believe this program will foster discipline, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment, which will benefit our students both on and off the field.”
As part of the program, students will also have the opportunity to tour the Sydney FC Centre of Excellence, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of professional athletes and the operations of a leading football club.
This excursion will further inspire students and provide a real-world context for their studies and sports training.
Beginning on 1 February 2025 the Sydney FC x St Mary’s Cathedral College partnership aims to create lasting impact within the community and establish a long-term connection that can benefit students, families, and fans alike.
Both Sydney FC and St Mary’s Cathedral College look forward to a successful year of collaboration, hoping to inspire a new generation of football enthusiasts and, perhaps, future stars of the game.